(BAT) Reference Document for the Production of Chlor-alkali ...

3 CURRENT PRESENT EMISSION AND CONSUMPTION
LEVELS
3.1 Introduction
Chapter 3
In this chapter, the quantitative consumption and emission levels are given for the three
chlor-alkali techniques processes (amalgam mercury, diaphragm, membrane). Some information
on the inputs and pollutant outputs from the auxiliary processes such as brine purification,
chlorine processing, caustic soda processing and hydrogen is also included. Furthermore, the
chapter contains some information on historically contaminated sites.
The figures reported in this chapter are mostly based on a survey at the level of individual
installations carried out in 2010/2011 by the TWG, to a large extent coordinated by Euro Chlor.
The information from individual questionnaires was subsequently compiled and analysed. The
survey did not cover the four installations which produce chlorine exclusively from molten salt
or exclusively from hydrochloric acid. Out of a total of 75 chlor-alkali installations operating in
EU-27 and EFTA countries in January 2010, 65 submitted information (coverage 87 %).
Approximately 60 % of the questionnaires reported figures for the reference year 2008 and
approximately 40 % for the reference year 2009 [ 57, EIPPCB 2011 ].
In contrast to the process described in the previous paragraph, energy consumption data were
submitted to the statistical department of CEFIC because of their confidential nature.
Aggregated figures were then forwarded to Euro Chlor and provided to the TWG [ 58, Euro
Chlor 2010 ].
Other figures were taken from the original BREF [ 75, COM 2001 ] and from literature as
indicated.
Unless otherwise stated, concentrations in gases refer to standard conditions, i.e. a temperature
of 273.15 K and a pressure of 101.3 kPa, without correction of either oxygen or water content.
Reported emissions are taken from plants that operate with a number of process-integrated and
end-of-pipe techniques to reduce emissions. The figures given are either directly from the plants
or from the Member States. Mercury emissions at European level have been provided by Euro
Chlor. Other figures are from OSPARCOM 5 reports or from the literature. Emissions resulting
from impurities contained in the products are outside the scope of this document.
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
5
Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic. Publications can be found at
http://www.ospar.org
TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1 December 2011 63